A root canal is performed by a dentist to treat a tooth that’s been damaged or decayed. Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is used to treat a tooth that has been severely damaged or infected.
This is done by removing the pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth and replacing it with a filling.
Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp in the center of your tooth becomes infected or inflamed. The pulp contains nerves, connective tissues, and blood vessels. Left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of your body.
If you are also planning to undergo a root canal treatment, this blog post may help you. Here, we have discussed 7 tips for you to prepare for a root canal treatment.
#1 Eat beforehand
Eating beforehand is important because you don’t want to have to deal with the pain of anaesthesia on an empty stomach. When you eat, your body absorbs the nutrients in your food and uses them to repair and strengthen your teeth. That’s why it’s important to eat a few hours before a root canal treatment because if your body is busy digesting a meal, it won’t have the resources to devote to repairing your tooth.
#2 Take painkillers
If you are going for a root canal treatment, you must take painkillers prescribed by your dentist. These painkillers may be in the form of tablets or syrups, but they will always be recommended by your dentist before the treatment begins.
#3 Talk to your dentist about anti-biotics
The most important thing to do is to understand how long you’ll need to take an anti-biotic before you start a root canal treatment because if you take the anti-biotic too early then it won’t be effective on the day of your root canal treatment.
#4 Do not consume alcohol
Your dentist will let you know how long you need to avoid alcohol before your root canal treatment. But usually, you should not consume alcohol for at least 24 hours before starting your root canal treatment.
#5 Do not smoke
Do not smoke before and after your root canal treatment is done. Smoking will cause the graft to shrink, which can affect the long-term success of the treatment. Smoking can also increase the risk of infection in the tooth, causing serious complications.
#6 Get a good night sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep before an important event is crucial to your performance. If you’re already tired, then you won’t be able to perform at your best. Getting enough sleep is also important because it reduces stress and helps your immune system function properly. When you sleep, your neurons are transferring memories from short-term to long-term memory.
#7 Ask questions
If you are going for a root canal treatment, then feel free to ask questions from your dentist because they’ll be able to clear your doubts and help you prepare for the treatment. Your body will thank you for it. A good dentist will not only provide you with good dental care but also advice on how to maintain a healthy mouth.
Recommended post: Pain management in root canal treatment: An in-depth analysis
